The prostate is a small gland that surrounds a portion of a man's urethra and makes fluid that becomes part of semen. Several disorders may develop in the prostate, including prostate cancer, which is a common cancer among older men. Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural compound that may support general prostate health and help you avoid prostate cancer or improve the outcome if you already have the disease. Talk to your doctor to decide if taking alpha-lipoic acid is appropriate for your situation.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, is an antioxidant found in foods such as liver, yeast, spinach, broccoli, potatoes and red meat. Your body also manufactures the compound as needed. Your cells use alpha-lipoic acid to support enzymes in cell mitochondria that convert glucose into energy, helping your organs function at maximum efficiency. Alpha-lipoic acid is also metabolized to another compound called dihydrolipoic acid, or DHLA. Both alpha-lipoic acid and DHLA are potent antioxidants that have significant health benefits for the prostate gland and many other organs in your body.
Antioxidant Actions
Alpha-lipoic acid is soluble both in water and in fat, allowing it to function in all of your organs and tissues. Because it is an antioxidant, the compound removes free radicals, chemicals that are metabolic byproducts, heavy metals and environmental toxins that can injure cells by damaging membranes, DNA and other components. Alpha-lipoic acid also confers a positive effect on other antioxidants in your body by increasing their lifespan, helping to extend their usefulness. In addition, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid suppress potentially harmful oxidation of DNA, proteins and fats in cells and tissues. All of these actions may help prevent changes in normal prostate cells that might convert them into cancerous cells. Some research also suggests that alpha-lipoic acid may directly suppress growth of malignant cells when these cells are already present.
Evidence
A number of laboratory studies have investigated alpha-lipoic acid as a potential anti-cancer agent. One of these, published in the "Journal of Cell Physiology" in 2003, tested the effect of alpha-lipoic acid on normal and malignant cells in culture and found that, while it stopped growth of both types of cells, it triggered apoptosis in the cancerous cells, a process that caused the cells to die. Normal cells, however, resumed their growth and survived when the compound was removed. These are very promising preliminary results, although clinical trials of alpha-lipoic acid with human subjects who have or are at risk for prostate cancer are still needed.
Recommendations and Precautions
Alpha-lipoic acid is available as a supplement from health food stores. Although no recommended dose has been established, clinical studies used up to 800 mg daily in divided doses. Alpha-lipoic acid is considered a safe supplement without significant side effects, although its safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been verified. It may also interact with certain medications, including drugs that lower blood glucose and thyroid-regulating medicines. Discuss alpha-lipoic acid with your doctor before adding it to your regular routine.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know about Prostate Problems
- Drugs.com: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- "Journal of Cell Physiology"; Alpha-Lipoic Acid Induces p27Kip-Dependent Cell Cycle Arrest in Non-Transformed Cells Lines and Apoptosis in Tumor Cell Lines; K. Van de Mark, et al.; March 2003
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